Athol-Thurman 12-26-09

May your holiday be a happy and healthy one. Remember all the folks in nursing homes by sending a card or stopping by for a visit.

Did you know that spending time is a greater gift than spending money? Especially for the older folks on your list.

We hope you will join us in spreading good cheer in an evening of Christmas caroling throughout the neighborhood on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. Everyone should meet at the Baptist church parking lot on South Johnsburg Road. Wouldn't it be nice if we had enough singers to form two teams and sing throughout the town?

By the way, children are doubtlessly hoping that Santa's elves were not among those who had their jobs cut in all the recent "downsizing" at the county and elsewhere.

Give me a call with your holiday news and also with events coming up in the new year - please call before 8 p.m.!

Remember folks that Thurman has a food pantry which is open to residents who may be in need of a helping hand. The pantry is located in the Thurman Town Hall and is open during business hours. Call 623-9649 for further information.

All who ride the senior bus,normally running on Fridays, note that because of Christmas the bus will run on Monday, Dec. 28. Call Laura by Saturday at 623-9281 and let her know if you'd like to go to Glens Falls on Monday.

Christmas services set at local churches

The Thurman Baptist Church on South Johnsburg Road will have their annual children's Christmas program at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 20.

The Christmas Eve service on Thursday Dec. 24 will be held at 7 pm. Special guest is singer Jay Witham.

The Kenyontown Methodist Church will host a special Christmas service on Sunday Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. at their Valley Road location.

The Christ Community Church in Athol will hold their Christmas Eve service at 6:30 p.m. Thursday Dec. 24. Sunday services are at 11 a.m. each week.

Show your appreciation for highway crew

Prepare and bring a covered dish or a food item to the town hall Wednesday Dec. 23 to show your appreciation for our town highway crew's great job of keeping our roads open! Townfolks will be putting on a hot luncheon around 11 a.m. at the town hall for the boys.

Donations sought for Vopleus family

A benefit fund has been set up for Don Vopleus at the T.D. Bank, any branch, where folks can donate any amount to help out his family. Don was injured Nov. 25 when a tree fell on him and he was airlifted to Albany Medical Center, and as of Dec. 4 he was still a patient there. Don and his wife, Myra, live on High St. in Thurman.

Heartfelt thanks for your concern

A special thank you from Charlotte Brant Haskell to all the folks who showed that they cared, who attended and helped put on a benefit event for her.

"It's been a long road but things are better now," she said this week. "I'm sorry its taken so long to say thank you and tell you that it was so much appreciated."

Happy Anniversary wishes are out to Irene & Dick Lamphier,55 years, and to John & Doreen Cooper, 64 years on Dec. 20; to Bill & Lisa Arnold, 28 years on Dec. 22; and to Tammy & Nick Moon, 26 years on Dec. 24.

Over the fence

Local resident Maria Ligon has volunteered to take over organizing the annual Christmas Bazaar in 2010. Now volunteers are needed to organize and present the annual Christmas baskets for the Thurman folks who will be alone on the holidays, also for 2010. To volunteer, call Helen at 623-2909 or Evie at 623-2580.

Keep your friends safe! If you know of a "Hide Away" party going on and you think there will be illegal drugs and alcohol, call the anonymous tip line at 761-9800 and get it checked out -- you do not have to give your name, so help those who may end up in serious trouble or in the hospital with injuries or health problems from substance abuse.

Charlie Dingman, Jr. is another lucky hunter. He was out on the last day of the season and got an eight-point buck, which weighed 150 pounds dressed.